Natural beauty brands are growing in popularity in a world increasingly interested in clean, organic formulas. Although new brands are popping up daily, others are not being recognized despite having been involved in the cause for years. Case in point: Hanalei Island-Powered Beauty. The brand, based in Hawaii, was launched in 2015 and has gained traction this year. We are glad that the brand has top-quality ingredients, and TikTok’s obsession with the coconut girl aesthetics has made it a favorite of ours.
After the success of Elizabeth Mott, Alice and Viraphanh founded Hanalei Island-Powered Beauty. Alice shared that Hanalei was founded to provide a line of skincare products with authentic and local Hawaiian botanicals and a strong connection to the natural world.
The brand’s headquarters are located in Hawaii, and it prides itself on using Hawaiian botanicals as its star ingredients. Alice says, “Inspired and inspired by Hawaii’s rich ecosystem and culture, it was our goal quickly to share the power and healing properties of Hawaiian botanicals with people worldwide through simple and restorative skincare.”
Kukui nut oil is a botanical that has gained popularity in the skincare industry. Kim explains that “Aloha Nui Complex” is a blend of ingredients from Hawaii, including kukui oil, Hawaiian coffee bean, and spirulina. Kim recently created it. This unique combination of natural botanicals has been proven to improve the appearance of the skin. We have incorporated it into our new skincare trio (Aloe E Hawaiian Face Cleanser, Makai Marine Hawaiian Face Moisturizer, and Kona Peptide Hawaiian Eye Cream), which launched in June 2021.”
Although the brand is Hawaiian-inspired by the Kims, they hope it will have an international appeal. Alice states that most of our customers love the idea of traveling to Hawaii. “The Hawaiian islands offer a stunning destination filled with powerful botanicals like our star ingredient, the kukui oil. We strive to create products that suit every skin type and texture, as Hawaii is a melting pot of cultures and people.
Hanalei is a small, niche-based brand in the beauty market. Hanalei’s niche market in skincare has meant that it is somewhat under-appreciated. If we know one thing, it’s that sometimes less-known brands have so much to share.
Hanalei Kukui Oil Lip Treatment
Hanalei’s Kukui Oil Lip Treatment comes in seven colors (including clear). It is loved for its moisturizing and pout-restoring properties. The best thing about this product was its thickness and creamy texture. It’s not sticky or greasy, which is something many lip balms and treatments fail to do. It also comes in tinted versions, so you can treat your lips and dress them up. Remember that tinted options are often sold out, so be quick if they become available.
Hanalei Sugar Lip Scrub
We have another Hanalei bestseller. This five-star lip product will gently exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving smooth, luscious lips behind. You don’t want too much exfoliation. The scrub should be used a few times per week unless your lips are extremely chapped. In that case, you can use it daily to remove any excess. It’s gentle and hydrating because it’s made from jojoba oil and shea butter.
Hanalei Kukui Body Lotion
Kukui oil, known for its ability to deeply moisturize skin and protect it from the effects of antioxidants, is used in this body lotion. The body lotion is thick and rich but not greasy. It also has a mild scent, unlike other Hawaiian-inspired products on the market. It did have a pleasant scent, but I was surprised it didn’t have more. It is very neutral. It’s still great for treating dry elbows or knees and prevents cracked skin from the neck.
Hanalei Kona Peptide Hawaiian Eye Cream
This eye cream is my favorite Hanalei product. This cream is rich yet lightweight and blends well into the skin. It instantly makes the area under the eyes look plump and dewy. It has a light, island-y fragrance that is not too strong to bother sensitive eyes. It is no surprise that it receives a 5-star rating.
Hanalei Makai Marine Hawaiian Face Moisturizer
The best-selling daily moisturizing cream can be used day and night to moisturize and firm your skin. Because it is a gel-ream formulation, it is extremely lightweight, making it ideal for combination and oily skin types. It instantly absorbed my skin, giving it a moisturizing, dewy appearance. It has a more neutral marine scent, so you don’t need to be concerned about it being too strong for your skin or nose.
